Hormone replacement therapy was first administered on a wide scale in the 1960s. It has many benefits, even if it’s not quite as universally used as it was originally hoped. Even though needles scare many people, a small pinch is all that is typically felt from a cosmetic or hormone injection. The pain from this pinch typically ranges around a two or a three out of 10, according to Medscape, but can vary based on the patient’s pain tolerance. With that in mind, some will find it less tolerable than others. Let’s Take a closer look at whether HRT is right for you.
What Hormone Replacement Therapy Is
Broadly, HRT is a medication that supplements hormones produced by the endocrine system. This treatment is commonly used to replace hormones in women during menopause, allowing them to avoid many of the symptoms of this phase, including hot flashes and reduced libido. HRT’s benefits include feeling more youthful and lively. HRT can also be used in men (with testosterone) and younger women to boost low hormones into a normal range.
The Practicality
One of the most important benefits of hormone replacement therapy is to improve the appearance of mood swings in perimenopause. The regulation of mood swings can help make relationships smoother and improve self-awareness. HRT is a great opportunity for improving your mood and letting you be your real self while your body undoes significant physical changes.
The Limitations
HRT has many benefits that far outweigh its problems, especially when prescribed within 10 years of menopause. HRT prescribed more than a decade after menopause, however, can result in health issues if not properly monitored, including an increased risk of blood clots. Even though the increased risk is minor compared to the benefits of the medication, you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits to see if HRT is right for you. Your health comes first!
The Aftermath
One of the most important concepts around HRT is the improvement of bone density after menopause. HRT can almost completely reverse osteoporosis and this was one of the earliest noticed effects of it. Hormone replacement therapy is an important tool in reducing the incidence of bone density loss and bone fracture in adult women aged 46-60. This is, of course, in addition to its many mood-regulating benefits and functions in retaining and even improving memory and cognition.
Hormone replacement therapy is an extremely well-studied tool in medical science. Contact us at Living Healthy MD today to see if HRT is right for your health. We look forward to speaking with you.